The race took place on June 5, 2021, in Elmont, New York, with an actual start time of 6:50 p.m. EDT;[1] television coverage was by NBC.

[3] Entering the race, it was known that there would be no Triple Crown winner, as the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes had already been won by different horses.

[7] Attendance for the Belmont was set at a maximum of 11,000 spectators, with attendees required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

[8] Several horses that ran in the Derby and then bypassed the Preakness were possible entrants in the Belmont: Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, Essential Quality, and O Besos.

[9] The same day, Preakness winner Rombauer and seventh-place finisher France Go de Ina arrived at Belmont Park.